Reflection for May 15 Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter: John 13:16-20

Gospel: John 13:16-20

When Jesus had washed the disciples’ feet, he said to them: “Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it. I am not speaking of all of you. I know those whom I have chosen.  

But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled, The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me. From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

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Reflection:

Are you afraid of suffering and betrayal? 

In His humanity, our Lord Jesus also felt fear—He, too, trembled at the thought of suffering and betrayal. Yet these fears did not stop Him from fulfilling the mission entrusted to Him by the Father. Instead, they deepened His resolve. Amidst the overwhelming pain and loneliness, He pressed on—out of love for us. He never gave up, no matter how heavy the burden, for He knew He had a mission to accomplish. 

Marriage often begins like a beautiful rose garden—full of promise, joy, and sweetness. Everything seems perfect, even heaven-sent. But as time passes, trials begin to unfold. Challenges arise, wounds are inflicted, and at times, sacred vows are betrayed. What then should we do? Do we turn our backs and walk away in defeat? Or do we stay, carry the cross, and fight for the sacredness of our covenant before God? 

We are called to remain—to endure and to love even through pain. Just as Jesus remained faithful to His mission despite the agony and betrayal, we, too, are invited to remain faithful to our vocation, especially in marriage. Imagine if Jesus had given up on us. He could have turned away—He is God, all-powerful, and free. But He stayed. He endured. Why? Because of His love for all of us. 

Sadly, many couples today choose the easier path when their marriage is tested. Some give in to betrayal; others walk away entirely, forgetting the sacred vows they once made—vows not just to each other, but before God. In doing so, they also forget the deep impact on their children and family. 

But let us look to Jesus. He never walked away from His mission. He embraced His suffering for the sake of love. He carried the weight of our sins and conquered betrayal—not with anger or resentment, but with divine mercy and unwavering commitment. 

May we, too, find the grace to carry our own crosses. May we draw strength from Jesus, who shows us that love is proven not in comfort, but in sacrifice. — Marino J. Dasmarinas